Could Jonathan LaPaglia be about to make his reality TV comeback?
With I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! Australia confirmed to move from Network 10 to Channel Seven for a 2027 relaunch, and no host locked in, speculation is mounting that JLP – freshly off Australian Survivor after being replaced by David Genat – could be the one to lead the jungle into its next era.
And according to insiders, the pitch on the table isn’t for him to co-host, it’s for him to run the whole show solo.
Could JLP be the 2027 host of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! Australia?
“JLP has the perfect tone for this kind of show,” an insider tells Woman’s Day. “He’s got that dry, deadpan delivery where he doesn’t need to be bouncing off another presenter every five seconds.”
It’s a departure from the format Aussie audiences are used to – I’m A Celebrity has always run on a double act, from Julia Morris and Dr. Chris Brown through to Julia and Robert Irwin. But the insider suggests that a pairing might not be necessary this time around.
“There’s a feeling the format could actually be sharper with one person driving it,” the source says. “JLP can handle the camp, the challenges and the eliminations himself – and he knows how to let the celebrities be the entertainment.”
“They don’t need two hosts standing around making every moment a comedy routine,” the insider adds. “Put JLP in the jungle, give him the celebrities and the challenges, and let the format breathe. That’s the pitch being discussed.”
Why JLP is being tipped for the role
Jonathan’s decade on Survivor is reportedly a big part of the appeal – not just his TV presence, but his ability to read a room full of stressed out contestants.
“There’s also a real appeal in having someone who already understands reality TV and knows how to deal with contestants under pressure,” the insider says. “JLP has spent years doing exactly that.”
“He’s not going to try to steal the spotlight from the celebrities,” they add. “That’s actually his strength. He knows when to talk, when to push someone and when to just let the moment play out.”
With his Survivor chapter closed and Seven now holding the I’m A Celebrity rights, the timing has plenty of people in the industry talking.
“JLP is suddenly available and he’s got a huge amount of goodwill with reality fans,” the sources says. “If you’re looking for a proven reality host who can carry a show without needing a comedy partner, he’s an obvious name.”
“There are people inside the production world who think it could work brilliantly,” they add. “JLP alone in the jungle would certainly be something viewers would tune in to see.”
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Share this post